Songwriters on Process interviews Julien Baker and Matt Nathanson!
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- čas přidán 23. 05. 2021
- Some artists create because they like the process and the product. They like what they do and they’re good at it, whether they’re amateurs or professionals.
But other artists create because they need to create. They have to write songs. It’s a self-actualizing and at times even a survival instinct, a primal drive. Because of this, external forces like love or relationships or world upheaval aren’t always drivers. These artists create because they must create. And at times, it may not even be enjoyable.
This is what I thought about after my interview with Julien Baker and Matt Nathanson. It struck me in the metaphors they used to describe lyric writing with words like “shitting” and “puking,” images of violent expulsion that can also bring a tremendous sense of relief. But there’s also genuine anxiety, and at times fear, attached to the songwriting process for both artists. Nathanson told me that inspiration “terrifies” him. “It’s a scary place to let yourself go and get swept up in the experience because my brain wants to assert itself,” he told me. Baker told me that the songwriting process “is a vital form of self-expression.”
Baker is a big runner, and she gets a lot her songwriting ideas on her runs. Unfortunately, this can mean a lot of stopping: when a melody appears, she takes a break, crouches down, and records it. And nature is where she’s most productive too. “I can take my thoughts more seriously in nature too,” she says. “It forces me to be present in my body. It’s not compulsive rumination; it’s actual constructive thinking.”
What you’ll see in this video is not two songwriters talking about the specifics of their creative process. I was prepared to ask about those specifics like I usually do. But after beginning the interview by asking Baker about her ritual and seeing the two of them talk to each other, my work was done because they took it from there. This is a deep dive into the psychology of the songwriting process with all the fears and anxieties that accompany it.
*Julien Baker: julienbaker.com/
*Matt Nathanson: mattnathanson.com/
*For more than 200 interviews with songwriters, go to Songwriters on Process: www.songwritersonprocess.com/ - Hudba
I've watched this a few times since I posted it, and the one thing I keep thinking about is how much fun they have talking to each other and how easy this conversation is.
What an amazing conversation!
I’m so impressed when I hear young artists like Julien Baker talk about their craft in such an articulate and intelligent way. It makes me feel like the future of music is in safe hands.
For me as a poet, this conversion was priceless. Thank you very much
i love her so much. i hope to be able to articulate what i want to communicate as well as she does someday
this was an awesome conversation! it was great to watch how much they enjoyed talking and were genuinely interested and excited about what the other was saying
From watching her past interviews, Julien is an amazing and genuine listener
Ben, I feel so fortunate to have listened to this conversation. My eyes watered up several times in understanding and sympathy. I relate so much to the idea and feeling of self-expression/discovery/development/actualization through creativity. Thank you for doing this. Bravo - and by that I mean - more, more, more. Thanks again. This is a big deal.
Love love love her
I didn't know what to expect with this pair, when I first saw it was up. But now I've actually watched it, what a great combination for a conversation! Loved all of it.
Ask one question and go get a coffee. Geez, easiest interview you have ever done...bravo material
haha you're not kidding! I had a whole list prepared, but once they got to talking to each other, I knew my work was done. Especially when I saw Matt with his notes!
Love the poster of Scott in the background
picasso did too realistic oil paintings, but at a certain point got fed up and just went into abstract and boom... legend
Very great podcast episode... lots of interesting insight
Holy crap, two of my favorite artists of all time? Conversing in the vein of things I'm most passionate about?? Thanks, universe. (But mostly Ben!)
Ha well thanks for the thanks, but let's be honest I said about ten words and got the hell out of the way. It did take some digging to find out that they liked each other's music; that's how I try to pick the interviews pairs. And that involves seeing if they follow each other on Twitter. So there's always some sleuthing involved :) I interviewed Nathanson a few years ago on Songwriters on Process, so head over to the site and check it out if you already haven't.
@@SongwritersonProcess Hey man that's still work putting two and two together! I'll be sure to check out the interview (-: cheers!
writing while she runs... very apparent in her song sprained ankle XD
I think Matt asked her about this in the interview, and iirc she said it was not about running, much to my surprise!
@@SongwritersonProcess haha i just got to that point moments before your reply. i just liked the literal conception my mind pieced together
is there a part 2 to this episode... seems to just spontaneously end, great channel btw, watching with KIng Gizz. great stuff mate
@@HANKUS No, that's it! There was maybe about 20 seconds after, but nothing of worth. Thanks for watching!
@@SongwritersonProcess i see, thought my connection dropped.
Anyway, I'm really enjoying this channel, going to continue to watch more tomorrow, did 3 episodes today, all insightful
i loved this so much